New and used Cars for sale in Sri Lanka

History and facts about Cars in Sri Lanka

The history of cars in Sri Lanka is as old as the automotive industry itself. At the time when the country was under the British Crown, the first known car was imported to the island. It was none other than a 1902 British made chain-driven, single cylinder “Wolseley” car, which was a two-seater at that time. This machine was manufactured by the Wolseley Sheep Shearing Machine Company Limited, and was said to be made by the legendary “Herbert Austin” himself. The car was brought to the country in 1903 and was registered at that same year, making it the first car to be registered in Sri Lanka, by obtaining the vehicle registration plate number “Q 53”. According to the records, the first petrol driven car was brought to Sri Lanka on 2nd of May, 1905, by Cecil Gnapp, and was a 05 hp “Oldsmobile” car. The first Sri Lankan national to own a car is recognized as Mr. E.L.F. de Zoysa who lived in Moratuwa. His wife Mrs. De Zoysa was said to be the first Sri Lankan women to have driven a car. A 1957 Datsun branded car was the oldest Japanese car to be imported to the country. Even though late to the market, the Japanese vehicles today dominate Sri Lanka’s automobile industry, with even the successor to the Datsun brand, Nissan, being one of the prominent players in Sri Lanka.

Cars for sale in Sri Lanka

In the early days, simply owning a car was considered as a display of wealth and power, not only in Sri Lanka but also in anywhere else. However, with rapid economic growth that occurred in the country, especially after the independence, saw many Sri Lankans buying a car for their personal or business purpose. Even though the majority of vehicles are compact or subcompact cars, the vans also play a key role within the island. Due to the vehicles capability to transport a high number of passengers, while also having the capacity to carry a significant payload, meant that the vans are also a popular choice among the country’s middle class.

Today Toyota is by far the most popular car brand in Sri Lanka, which is followed by Hondaand Suzuki. Apart from the top Japanese brands, the German made Mercedes-Benz cars as well as the BMW’s dominate the country’s luxury car segment. Almost all the top brands are imported to the country through authorized distributors, who also provide servicing as well as aftersales support for their respective car buyers. Third party dealers are also a notable force within the Sri Lankan vehicle industry, importing rare models, spare parts as well as accessories for the country’s proud vehicle owners.

Best Selling Vehicle Brands in Sri Lanka

These are the most popular vehicle brands, which manufactures Sedans, Subcompacts, Hatchbacks, Crossovers, SUV’s, MPV’s and Vans sold in Sri Lanka.

Founded in August 1937, the Toyota Motor Corporation is one of the two largest automobile manufacturers in the world and without a doubt, the most widely used car brand in Sri Lanka. Apart from its main Toyota brand, the company also produces vehicles under the brands Lexus, Scion, Hinoand Ranz. It also owns a majority stake in Daihatsu Motor Co. The main reasons for the success of Toyota, not only within Sri Lanka but also around the world, is its innovative technology, competitive pricing and excellent built quality.

The cars produced by the Suzuki Motor Corporation, such as the Suzuki Alto and the Suzuki Wagon R, has a unique place in Sri Lanka. The company is popular in the country as a vehicle manufacturer that has a range of vehicles for the lower end segment. Founded in 1909 by a Japanese inventor named Michio Suzuki, the company has seen rapid growth particularly within developing country’s such as Sri Lanka. Not only cars, Suzuki is also famous for building motorcycles that includes some of the fastest bikes in the world.

Established in 1948, the Honda Motor Co., Ltd is the second largest automobile manufacturer in Japan. Headquartered in Hamamatsu, the company is also the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. Honda offers some of the most popular high-end vehicles seen in Sri Lanka, with its highly acclaimed Honda Fit, being one of the most sort after vehicles in the country. Apart from Toyota, the Honda is also one of the forerunners in producing Hybrid vehicles, with models such as the Honda Vezeland the Honda Insight popularly being sold in the island.

Based in Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Japan, the Nissan Motor Company Ltd is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world. Founded in 1933, the company was initially named Datsun, the name that Nissan now uses for one of its subsidiary vehicle brands. It should be noted that the old Datsun was the first Japanese vehicle brand, to be imported to Sri Lanka. Today models such as the Nissan Leaf, the Nissan Sunny and the Nissan March are a common sight in Sri Lanka.

Hybrid cars and vans in Sri Lanka

The Hybrid cars, which uses a technology that combines two power sources to generate locomotion is a highly popular vehicle variety found in Sri Lanka. What truly makes this type apart from the traditional fuel based cars are their excellent fuel efficiency that allows its owner to drive more with a lesser fuel cost. However, not only this, most Sri Lankans also prefer these cars due to the high level of facilities they offer for the passengers. From safety features to overall drive comfort, the Hybrid vehicles hit the sweet spot for what most Sri Lankan’s expect from a well-built car.

Currently there are a number of prominent hybrid vehicle models, available for buying within the Sri Lankan market. These may differ from price and fuel economy, but mainly includes the vehicles, as listed below.